Which is the correct way to photograph a watercolor painting?

Question

I have pictures both framed (with glass) or unframed that when photographed are light at the center and dark to the edges. I've tried this with and without flash (as not to have the flash bounce off the glass).

Answer 1

You are experiencing what's known as "light fall-off" due to the lens you are using. This is more prevalent at wide-open apertures such as f2 or f2.8. Regular lenses, whether fixed focal length or zoom, don't have a flat field of focus.

Your problem could also be exacerbated by not having the camera sensor and your painting perfectly parallel. The slightest bit out of parallel can cause one side of the image to be slightly darker than the other as light having farther to travel is dimmer. It may be negligible but its there. Your lens should also be in the exact center of the painting.

A better choice would be a true macro lens. A macro lens is designed to perform best at close focusing distances and has a flat field of focus.

For lighting, make diffusion panels from an old white sheet and some 2"x2" pieces of lumber.You can use contractor's lights on either side for a soft, even illumination without glare Keep the diffusion panels a few feet in front of the lights (use caution - those lights get real hot real fast). Set your camera on a tripod and get it parallel to the painting and centered. Use f11 and a cable release. For optimum results, try ISO 100 or lower.

Answer 2

Easels are in basic terms 1 of quite a few units to hold the canvas, board or different floor firmly and extremely truthfully whilst portray. I somewhat have used the component of a motor vehicle, the floor, a sidewalk, lamppost, trashcan...something that helps the floor can artwork. Easels have been developed as an elementary answer.

Answer 3

no flash.

take photograph on a cloudy day.

have dim light behind you.

will take several attempts, so practice with digital first.